Post-Grand Reunion Message from Bro Columba

Here's an email from Ta Ker, sent via Georgie boy  ...


From: columba gleeson
To: George Lo
Sent: Sunday, January 03, 2010 12:46 AM
Subject: Re: st joe '76


Dear George and fellow '76-ers,

Between Christmas festivities, visits to family etc I didn't get round to reviewing your blog of the events of 23/12 until New Year's Night, and what a feast of viewing and reading was in store for me! So much so that I eventually got to bed only at 3.00 am! I was delighted to see what a wonderfully successful and happy gathering you all had and felt part of the scene for a few hours.

The whole event seems to have been a masterpiece of planning, preparation, co-ordination and execution, as well as follow-up afterwards. It obviously made huge demands on time, effort and no doubt patience on the part of the core group of organisers, but I'm sure it was all worth while in the end. I spent hours trying to recognise all the faces, working out names (from initials, nicknames etc.), reading between the lines and deciphering hidden meanings etc. It was great to see Fr. Nick and also some fellow 'staffroom veterans' there, all still looking hale and hearty! In this respect I would like to pay a special tribute to your 'Website Jaga' for the fantastic job he has done in the months leading up to the event, in covering the big 'bash' itself, as well as the follow-up, including the visits to significant landmarks and post-event comments, tributes etc. It must have been a very time-consuming labour of love and is deeply appreciated, especially by distant 'exiles' like myself who could not be with you. Thank you most sincerely James!

It is particularly gratifying for me to read of so many from one particular year group, from various ethnic, religious and social backgrounds, coming together from far and wide 33 years down the road to refresh memories and celebrate what they share in common. Long may it remain so!

I take this opportunity, through the kind medium of your blog, to wish all of you and your families good health, happiness and success in 2010 and down the road beyond. May you continue to foster and to celebrate the memories and spirit you share, wherever you may be, and may this world of ours be a better place for our having been through it. For now best wishes and God bless all.

With fond memories,

Bro. Columba.

 
Glad you enjoyed the site, Bro Columba.
 
A very happy 2010 and sincere thanks to you, Bro Adrian, Bro Mark, Bro Hyacinth and all the others who have provided generations of Josephians a solid foundation for life.